Whether you want to enhance your own drawing and painting skills or simply learn more about the techniques artists use, these books will do it for you. Lavishly illustrated with attractive and instructive images, they're comprehensive resources worthy to be called encyclopediae.

Included are Jeremy Galton's "The Encyclopedia of Oil Painting Techniques" (192 pages), Hazel Harrison's "The Encyclopedia of Watercolour Techniquees" (192 pages) and Ian Simpson's "The Encyclopedia of Drawing Techniques" (208 pages). All the authors are artists and art educators working in the United Kingdom, where the series originated.

Each hard-bound volume measures about 9.25 inches square and was published in London at 16.95 pounds sterling -- equivalent to about US $32 or $96 for all three. Although they date from 1992, their condition is fantastic. There's no more than the light shelf wear you'd expect to expect to see on dust covers in a bookshop, so these would make splendid gifts if you can part with them -- and a wonderful value at less than $20 each.

There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!